I just had to share this special gift that one of my very talented Platinum students made for me because I think every bodhran player is going to want one.

Anna Karin Liljestrand has been inundated with orders from BodhranExpert Platinum Members all around the world for bodhran necklaces, bracelets and even rings. These aren’t just for women either, they look really cool on guys too. Some drummers are hanging them as an ornament from their car mirror or using them as a unique handbag charm. The possilities are limitless, but each piece is one of a kind and the bodhran community as a whole seems to appreciate hand made craftsmanship.

If you would like your own customized bodhran piece you can contact Anna directly by email at:   aliljestrand@hotmail.com or look her up on facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=634217826

I think it’s great when people discover their passion and get to share it with the world. I hope Anna’s story of combining her creative interests inspires some of you to do the same.

~ Drum On,

Michelle

Email Anna a photo of your bodhran and she can make a necklace, bracelet or ring that looks just like your drum.

My bodhran necklace made by Anna Karin Liljestrand

Whether you are looking to purchase your very first bodhran or planning to upgrade to a better quality one, this section is here to help. This decision is made even more difficult by the fact that there are so many superb makers out there now (See the list below). My husband, Mark, and I are simply too busy with other projects to keep making our Cape Breton Bodhrans, but I can tell you from first hand experience that making an instrument is done out of passion and not for love of the almighty dollar. A great deal of time, effort and care goes into making a bodhran so please keep that in mind when looking to buy one.

I would always suggest you deal directly with a maker, or one of their reps in your country, as most shops that sell instruments get them in at cost price, making more than the actual maker. With the exception of a few really great shops, most music store employees usually don’t know that much about bodhrans. The dead give away is when they have them hanging in the front window, baking in the direct sunlight. In fact, you probably already know more about bodhrans than they do.

Do Your Homework
The more time you spend researching the best maker and drum for you the better you will feel about your final decision.
Don’t be afraid to email makers to ask some questions, but remember to sift through their websites first as many of your questions are most likely already answered there.

The Better The Instrument - The Better YOU Sound,
But It’s Ok To Start Out On The Cheap
If you are just looking for something to get you started and don’t want to pay alot of money I’m sure you already know you will simply get what you pay for. There’s nothing wrong with starting out on an inexpensive drum and then upgrading once you’ve decided to stay with it. My very first drum was a very cheap one made in Pakistan and it served me well in my early stages. Once you try a great drum though you will instantly hear how much better you actually sound.

Why It’s Good To Get A Second, Third And Fourth Opinion
I hesitate to recommend one maker over another as the choice is such an individual one. I’m sure many people would just like for me to say ‘This is the one drum I recommend’ and make the decision for them, but going by only one person’s opinion wouldn’t really be in their best interest. I also don’t think any one person should have that much power.

Leave A Comment To Help One Another
Collecting information from lots of different sources is the best way to find the drum just for you. I know that people like helping people so please leave a comment to exchange information about bodhrans, where you got yours, what size is it, etc. and your overall experiences. This will help everyone become more educated about bodhrans and makers around the world.

~ Michelle

Albert Alfonso http://www.albertalfonso.com

Hedwitschak Drums http://bodhranmaker.de

Seamus O’Kane http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus

Metloef Irish Drums http://www.metloef.com

Belgarth Bodhrans http://www.Belgarth.com

Harold Hougaard http://www.bodhran.no

Eckermann Drums http://www.eckermanndrums.com

Malachy Kearns http://www.bodhran.com

Mance Grady http://www.acebodhrans.com

Davey Drums http://www.daveydrums.com

Ardglen Bodhrans http://www.ardglen-bodhrans.com

Brendan White http://www.bodhran.nl

David Roman Drums http://www.davidromandrums.com

Gurt Mint http://www.gurtmint.co.uk

Renegade Rhythms http://www.renegaderhythms.co.uk

Darius Bartlett http://www.dariusbartlettpercussion.com

Paul McAuley http://www.irishbodhrans.com

Eamon Maguire http://www.leafpile.com/TravelLog/NorthIreland/Belfast/Eamon/Eamon.htm

Michael Vignoles http://www.michaelvignoles.com

Cooperman http://www.cooperman.com

C. J. Dixon http://www.cjdixon.com

Sylvan Temple Drums http://www.sylvantemple.ca/products/FrameDrums.html

Ben March Bodhrans http://www.benmarchbodhrans.com/

Ralf Siepmann  http://www.bodhranshop.com/

Dels Drums   http://www.delsdrums.com

Mike Quinlan  http://hstrial-mikequinlan.intuitwebsites.com/

I am only doing five weeks at the Gaelic College this summer as my son, Cameron, starts his second year of Primary in August. I’ll be teaching bodhran from July 5th – August 13th, 2010. Classes run Monday to Friday, but you can also see me perform in concert, along with all the other world class instructors, every Wednesday night through the summer in the Great Hall Of The Clans. Visit the Gaelic College home page or go directly to their Summer School page

Many people who come to the Gaelic College for summer courses make a family holiday of it. Cape Breton is absolutely amazing in the summer. I may be biased, but feel free to check it out for yourself at Destination Cape Breton or Nova Scotia’s Official Tourism Site

Courses offered include: Bagpipes, Bodhran, Weaving, Gaelic Language and Song, Pipe Band Drumming, Cape Breton Fiddle, Cape Breton Stepdancing, Celtic Harp, Highland Dance, Piano Accompaniment and Scottish Small Pipes. Some weeks are just for youths, some for youths and adults combined (great for families) and some just for adults.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced player the bodhran classes cater to all levels. You can take bodhran as an elective or a major. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own drum as I always have extras on hand. I can give you advice about purchasing a drum and you will have a better idea of what you’re looking for after trying different makes.

I’ll be sharing my techniques for playing with dynamic control, loads of new rhythms, changing tones, bodhran etiquette and the art of performance. I will also show many different playing styles and follow the bodhran through its history. I will give you insight on how you can continue to teach yourself after the course.

This is a high energy class that will leave a permanent smile on your face. Check out some bodhran class photos from previous years at my Facebook page Feel free to join me there and on my other sites like Twitter and Youtube. I have to admit that I’m a bit slow to reply to comments as I have been completely overwhelmed with amazing feedback from all of you, but please keep the comments and questions coming. I really do appreciate it and it inspires me to share everything I know about bodhran with you.

Email me if you have any questons.and I hope to see you in the summer.

Michelle Stewart

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/sessions/

When you visit this page click on “Welcome to the Virtual Session. Click here to join in:”

The Virtual Session box will then open. Click the flashing red arrow in the bottom right corner. You will then see sets of tunes you can play along with and download music for.

This great resource has everything from reels, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes, polkas, waltzes and even a barndance.

I really like this site and hope you do too.

Michelle

Here’s page one of the 6/8 Jig Section of the bodhran solo I do and thought you might like the visual aid.  I am still tweaking my music notation format so I would really appreciate any feedback from you.

Just click on the link to get the pdf. Feel free to print it off to play along with the video.

Would you like to see it in proper music notation (eg. eighth notes, etc) or are you happy enough with this method?

Here’s a quick guide to using the notation.

Down Arrow = Down Stroke

Up Arrow = Up Stroke

Larger Arrow = Accent (Heavier Beat)

Higher the arrows on the lines = the higher the pitch.

H = High Pitch - Push In / Shorten Distance Between Back Hand And Tipper / Roll Thumb Over
M = Medium Pitch - Gentle Hand Pressure In Middle / Medium Distance Between Back Hand / Tipper
L  = Low Pitch - Hand Just Touching But Without Pressure / Furthest Distance From Back Hand / Tipper

When you see a part surrounded by double bars and double dots ll:                             :ll   these are repeat signs so play that part twice.

Foot would tap on first beat after each bar line     l                     and first beat after each comma.

This should all make sense once you print off the pdf.

Enoy.

Michelle

http://www.metronomeonline.com/
http://webmetronome.com/
http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/metronome.php
http://www.8notes.com/metronome/
http://www.studybass.com/tools/online-metronome/
http://bestmetronome.com/

I guess when it comes down to it you get what you pay for and when you don’t pay for it .. . well.

With that said it is very handy to have sites like these at your fingertips.

Would like to know what you think of these and if they are helpful. Leave a comment here to share your thoughts with others.

I like my hand held Korg MA-30 very much and think it’s really good for drummers.
Check out the Korg Site for all the features

http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=129

It’s great value for money and if you don’t find the online ones useful I would go ahead and treat yourself to a real one.

http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.ebay.co.uk
http://www.ebay.com

Just type Korg Ma-30 into Google to find more sites. Better yet contact your local music shop and if they don’t have it in stock I’m sure they can order it in for you.

Hope this has been of some help.
Michelle

• Use the same rhythms over and over?

• At a plateau and reached the point where you feel you have taught yourself all you can?

Well why not take a summer holiday like no other, on the beautiful island of Cape Breton at the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts. http://www.gaeliccollege.edu

I’m honoured to again to be running the Bodhran Program at the Gaelic College this summer.  Whether you are a beginner or advanced player this course caters to all levels.  You can take bodhran as an elective or a major. 

I’ll be sharing my techniques for playing with dynamic control, loads of new rhythms, changing tones, bodhran etiquette and the art of performance.   I will also show the many different playing styles and follow the bodhran through its history.  I will give you insight on how you can continue to teach yourself after the course .

Whether you are a seasoned musician hoping to fine tune your bodhran skills or have never even seen or picked up a bodhran before there is a class for you.  I keep a bunch of  “workshop” drums in Cape Breton so you don’t even have  to own a drum to take the course.  You can use one of mine.  I can then give you advice about purchasing drums and you will have a better idea of what you’re looking for after trying different makes.

This is a high energy class that will leave a permanent smile on your face.    Learning should be fun, right?  

.

Michelle Stewart